Meetings at the Metaphor Cafe

by Robert Pacilio

Meetings at the Metaphor Cafe is narrated by four high school students trying to make sense of a complicated, fearful America. Maddie holds her breath each night as the reports of the war dead soberly flash across the screen-knowing her father's picture could be there any day. Mickey must face his parents with the truth about how their dreams for him are not his own. Rhia is stunned by her father who, without warning, abandons his family. And Pari deals with being "the Muslim girl" in a post 9.11 world. These four gather at the Metaphor Cafe and reflect on the inspirational lessons of their English teacher, Mr. Buscotti, who helps them to navigate their troubled waters. They come to understand the powerful words of writers from Twain to Springsteen, discovering that the Metaphor Café is a state of mind-like slavery was and freedom is. They learn as long as they keep their minds open and their eyes focused on their True North, then they will never be lost.

303 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Robert Pacilio]

Book is a coming of age YA novel about four teenagers learning about a complex, fearful America. Their teacher introduces them to Springsteen, Twain, Jewel, Holden Caulfield, Toam Joad, and a host of others as they learn how to cope with a post 9.11 world.
The book is now adopted in several school districts in California and the author will be speaking at the California Teacherss Association Conferences in 2012. The sequel is now available entitled "Midnight Comes to the Metaphor Cafe."

[Will Plunkett]

It's always amazing to see an author describe his (or her) own book in person, especially to those who haven't yet read it. He is a dynamic speaker, and the book shows that clearly.